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Summer Skin Tips: Get Smoother Skin with Laser Hair Removal

Summer Skin Tips: Get Smoother Skin with Laser Hair Removal

Nothing is better than crawling into bed with smooth legs or stepping out onto the beach with full confidence that no hairs are peeking out. There are numerous ways to achieve gorgeous, smooth skin such as waxing or shaving but, most options require tons of maintenance. From a young age, people, especially women, have to maintain hair all over the body. Let’s be honest, it’s exhausting. Enough is enough! Say hello to smooth skin in just a few short weeks with laser hair removal. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about laser hair removal and how it’ll change your life.

What You Need to Know

Laser hair removal is a safe and effective way to stop follicles from producing hair. This cuts down on the need for shaving and waxing, leaving your skin smooth and stubble-free. For each person, the laser hair removal process is unique. The amount of sessions and length of each session is dependent on the density of follicles the area possesses and which area you would like to treat. There are some important aspects of laser hair removal that you need to be aware of before considering if the treatment is right for you.

  • Hair Color: Lasers for hair removal cannot detect white, blonde, grey or red hair. If you have body hair this shade, there’s a chance you are not eligible for the treatment as the laser won’t be able to focus on hair follicles and possibly damage your skin.
  • Skin Color: It is a common misconception that you are ineligible for laser hair removal if you have a darker skin tone. This is actually false! Your skin color matters much less than the color of your leg hair for this treatment. However, lasers can interact differently with all skin tones, so be sure to talk to your dermatologist about the laser options offered and if they’re right for you.
  • Irritation: Laser hair removal feels a bit like a rubber band snapping against the skin. The process is much less irritating than any other form of hair removal, but it does occasionally leave a bit of redness and irritation. This should disappear within a few hours of the treatment.

Treatment Benefits

Still need some convincing that laser hair removal is right for you? Here are some of the top benefits of the treatment and why it is worth the cost.

  • Goodbye razors, shaving cream, and waxes! From the time you start shaving until you decide you’ve had enough, shaving products will always be in your shopping cart. A good razor costs around $15, which definitely adds up over a lifetime.
  • No more ingrown hairs. Ingrown hairs can be uncomfortable and unruly. There are few good solutions to ridding your skin of them. With laser hair removal, the follicle actually becomes ineffective, so there is no opportunity for the pore to become clogged or the hair to become ingrown.
  • Minimal upkeep. Once you’ve completed your treatment, you will be given instructions on caring for your skin. You will no longer have to double-check your legs or quickly shave before throwing on a skirt or shorts. With laser hair removal, you will have the confidence to wear what you want, when you want.

Laser hair removal is a great way to make your beauty maintenance simpler and give you the confidence to show off your smooth skin at all times. Understanding the ins and outs of the treatment can help you make a more informed decision as to whether laser hair removal is right for you.

The dermatologists at Knoxville Dermatology Group and their MediSpa are professional and experienced and offer Vectus Laser Hair Reduction. To book your treatment, call Knoxville Dermatology Group today at (865) 342-5823 or visit their website.

How to soothe a sunburn

How to soothe a sunburn

There’s nothing like a sunburn to ruin your fun on a vacation. With the coming of warmer weather, the rise of sun-related risks come into play. Learn how to soothe a sunburn so that it won’t ruin your fun. Even though a suntan is associated with vitality and beauty, the results of prolonged exposure aren’t so pretty. Soothing a sunburn is easy with the right steps and processes, continue reading to learn how to properly care for overexposed skin.

Hydration

When it comes to treating a sunburn, moisture is key. It is important to hydrate the body from the inside out, especially when exposed to the intensity of the sun. When you get sunburned, fluids retract from the skin’s surface and cause the body to become dehydrated. Be sure to increase your water intake to make up for the loss of fluids. As for the exterior skin, be sure to hydrate using a gentle, water-based moisturizer. Be sure to apply a thick layer when the skin is still damp and repeat over the next few days to keep the inflamed area moist.

Aloe

This herbal remedy is widely known for its anti-inflammatory properties, especially on sunburns. Additionally, the plant serves as a natural moisturizer for the skin, which is perfect for overexposed, peeling skin. Aloe vera is applied in various ways including through a gel, oil or from the plant itself. Placing this remedy in the fridge before use is a great way to add an additional source of cooling to the skin!

Control the Pain

Reducing the inflammation as quickly as possible is ideal. When you first begin to notice that sunburn is forming, try taking a quick dip into a cold pool or water source to cool down the skin. Remove yourself from the sun and take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Continue taking an NSAID until the sunburn has calmed down or when there isn’t any pain felt. Use ice water to drench a towel or cloth and gently apply the cold compress to the burn. This will cool down the area and reduce inflammation. Diluting vinegar or apple cider vinegar into a warm bath will tremendously reduce the sting from a sunburn.

Leave Your Skin Alone

If blisters and peeling skin begin to form due to overexposed skin- don’t pick at it. Picking at the skin will further the inflammation and could lead to infection. It is important to keep the burned area clean and moisturized at all times. If the blistered area spreads over a large area or if fever and chills develop, it is time to seek a medical professional.

The skin experts at Knoxville Dermatology Group are skilled professionals who are able to treat a wide variety of skin conditions, such as skin burns. To see how the experienced dermatologists at Knoxville Dermatology Group will help you, call today at (865) 690-9467 or visit our website.

3 Must-Have Products for Protecting Sun-Kissed Skin

Know your ABC’s this Summer and get your annual skin check

Are you ready to embrace your sun-kissed skin this summer? The sun’s UV rays are damaging to the skin, so it’s important to protect the body’s largest organ before stepping out to the beach. Although sun-kissed skin gives us the appearance we desire, many don’t realize the impact it has on our skin’s health. In fact, in a study by the American Academy of Dermatology, 60 percent of men and 54 percent of women think that tan skin means healthy skin. However, when the sun darkens your pigment, it’s actually damaging healthy cells in the process. To achieve the sun-kissed look we all want, be sure to use these three must-have products to keep your skin healthy.

Sunscreen

We know you’re using sunscreen when you lie out to tan but are you using the one that’s right for your skin? One in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point, so it’s important to choose a product that will be the healthiest and safest for you.

To make sure your skin is being protected against both UVA and UVB rays, the sunscreen you use must be broad-spectrum, water-resistant and have an SPF of at least 30. Use your product on your body as you spend time outside, even if you don’t think you’re receiving UV rays. Even on cloudy or rainy days, 40 percent of the sun’s UV rays still reach the earth’s surface.

For the best protection and natural aging, we recommend working a facial sun protectant into your morning routine. By adding this step, that takes just a few seconds, your skin will thank you down the line. It’s necessary to choose a different product for your face than the body. Facial sunscreens are formulated with antioxidants to keep your pores clear and skin moisturized, all while protecting it from harmful UV rays.

Lip Protectant

Pucker up! Use a lip protectant to keep your lips hydrated and kissable this summer. Nearly 70 percent of people who use sunscreen while at the beach will forget to apply some protection to their lips. What’s the fuss? Our lips do not have melanin or sebaceous glands in them, meaning they are more susceptible to sun damage and dehydration.

One of the easiest ways to keep our lips hydrated is by drinking water. However, without exfoliation, the skin on our lips will promote dry skin and cause them to crack. Use a lip scrub and soft toothbrush to exfoliate the dead skin cells. Follow the exfoliation with a lip balm containing an SPF of at least 30 to provide back up protection and hydration. Refrain from exfoliating too often or too forcefully because this will leave the lips red and raw.

Exfoliation

Exfoliation is a common practice at the end of winter, to shed the skin of any and all dead cells that accumulated throughout the cold season. However, it’s also important to exfoliate the skin as we start to soak up the sun in the warmer months. Exfoliation increases blood circulation, which is the main factor in achieving healthy, glowing skin.

It’s recommended to exfoliate twice a week with a body scrub that contains grainy particles, usually of sugar or salt. By exfoliating dead or dying skin cells before tanning, you’re allowing the healthiest cells to receive sun. Doing this will help your tan last longer and remain even.

The dermatologists and medical professionals at Knoxville Dermatology Group have years of experience of providing safe sun tips, recommending products and checking for signs of skin cancer.

Know your ABCDE’s and get your annual skin check

Know your ABC’s this Summer and get your annual skin check

Summer is almost in full swing! Before you start laying out this beach season, be sure get your annual skin exam. Skin checks for abnormal moles or growths are basic sun safety that should be practiced year-round. Spending time in the sun can bring out freckles and spots you didn’t even know you had. It can be hard to determine which spots are normal, or if they need to be checked out. However, it is imperative that when something odd does appear gets diagnosed and treated correctly.

The skin is the largest organ of the body, and more people are diagnosed with skin cancer than any other form. Fortunately, checking our bodies for signs of skin cancer is as easy as singing the ABC’s.

  • Asymmetry: One half is unlike the other half.
  • Border: Irregular, scalloped or poorly defined.
  • Color: Varies from one area to another. Shades of dark purple, blue or black; sometimes red or white.
  • Diameter: While skin cancer varies and grows rapidly; melanomas are usually larger than the size of a pencil eraser (6mm).
  • Elevation: If your mole is not smooth or extremely raised, it could be a cause for concern.

Skin cancer tends to cause changes, so any visible change to the mole, especially over a short period of time, maybe cause for concern. If you have a concerning spot that meets any of these conditions, don’t hesitate to see a dermatologist.

Safeguard Your Skin this Summer

Safeguard Your Skin this Summer

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout May and June, we will be reminding you to #SafeguardYourSkin this beach season.

Long days lounging in the sun are fast approaching and we want to prepare you as best we can. Check back frequently for more in-depth coverage on skin cancer awareness and tips to protect yourself for the upcoming summer. Follow us on social media for up-to-date content, contests, and giveaways!

 

 

Top Reasons To Protect Yourself from Counterfeit Beauty Products

It’s hard to resist a good deal. While the price may be enticing and the ease of delivery is taunting, how do you know what you’re purchasing is authentic? Counterfeit beauty products are more common than ever and continue to be sold online. Check out our tips below on how to protect yourself from counterfeit beauty products online.

  1. Look Closely

Pay attention to packaging. Counterfeit beauty products do a scary-good job at mimicking your favorite skincare serum. Look for any irregulates in the font, coloring of the packaging or placement of stickers. In addition, look at expiration dates on the packing. All cosmeceutical companies are required by law to have the shelf life of the product on the packaging.

Related: 3 Easy Tips for Beautiful Spring Skin

  1. Do your research

Most of the time if a deal seems too good to be true, it is. Skin care companies work with authorized retailers and have this list available on their website. Double check their list of approved vendors before purchasing. Stray away from online marketplaces where you can’t be sure who the vendor is and if they got the product directly from the retailer. Often, counterfeit products contain harmful ingredients which can lead to life-long skin damage.

  1. Purchase from your dermatologist

To best protect yourself, purchase your skin care products directly from your dermatology office. Your provider will go over your skin care routine with you and make sure what you are using is working to best protect your skin.

3 Easy Tips for Beautiful Spring-Ready Skin

3 Easy Tips for Beautiful Spring-Ready Skin

 

The fresh green of spring is symbolic of nature, growth, freshness, and fertility. Winter can have a drying effect on the skin, so spring offers a renewed opportunity to get your skin, spring-ready and back in top condition. From exfoliation to properly caring for your skin in the spring sun, here are a few tips that will lead to dew-kissed, glowing skin.

Exfoliation

Shedding winter layers also applies to the skin. Prepare your skin to look and feel its best by sloughing off the dead, clogged skin cells that have accumulated throughout the winter. Exfoliation aids in boosting the circulation of the skin. This circulation stimulates the skin and produces new skin cells, which gives the skin that radiant, beaming look.

A physical exfoliant is a body scrub or product that contains grainy particles, usually sugar or salt, providing the scrubbing feeling when used. A chemical exfoliator is the milder of the two and recommended for sensitive skin. Consult with your dermatologist to determine which is the best type for you and your skin. A dermatologist is uniquely qualified to craft a personalized skin care regimen that will yield the best possible results.

Exfoliation is one of the oldest beauty practices and has been embraced by many cultures with their own unique traditions. The Chinese would rub ground pearls across their skin to rid it of dead cells with hopes of developing an illuminating glow. A traditional Scandinavian method involved vigorously scrubbing naked bodies with cedar branches in the snow before finding refuge in hot saunas.

Although those traditional methods served their purpose at the time, less expensive (and less-rustic) practices are now the norm. Here are some things to keep in mind when exfoliating:

  • Consider your skin type. Everyone’s skin is different; thus, everyone must consider the products and methods that will be safest and the most beneficial for their specific skin type. Those with sensitive skin may want to use a soft washcloth and mild chemical exfoliator; while those with oily, thicker skin, should consider a stronger, mechanical product.
  • Review the products you already use. Certain products or medications in your daily routine may cause your skin to be more sensitive and prone to peeling. Research what you already use and consult with your dermatologist about any over-the-counter products you are using.
  • Be gentle. Gently apply products to your skin using small, circular motions for about 30 seconds, before rinsing with lukewarm water. Avoid any open wounds, sunburns, bug bites or acne breakouts as it could lead to scaring.
  • Moisturize: Exfoliation has a drying effect on the skin, so be sure to immediately apply a moisturizing product to keep the skin hydrated and nourished.

Interested in more in-depth tips, specific to your skin care needs? Click to request a complimentary skin care analysis

Hydration

It is imperative to stay hydrated for overall health reasons, but especially for your skin. After exfoliation, take extra steps to keep your skin hydrated so it will stay supple and smooth. Moisturize when you get out of the shower and before bed. Swap the heavier, moisturizing cream you’ve been using all winter for a lighter, hydrating product to create spring-ready skin.

Don’t forget to drink water. The more water you drink, the more your skin will love you and reward you with a youthful, brighter glow. As the temperatures rise, you’ll likely be sweating and spending more time in the sun. The amount of water you are supposed to drink in a day depends on your overall weight and daily physical activity, but a few extra cups a day will help as you adjust to the heat.

Sun Protection

Did we mention the sun? As the layers fall off with the warming weather, you’ll naturally want to expose more skin. It is imperative to wear sunscreen every day to best protect the skin. At the end of winter, your skin will be at its palest and most vulnerable state. This is when your skin will burn the easiest resulting in the most damage. Applying a product with at least an SPF of 30 will reintroduce your skin to the UV rays and absorb them at a healthy rate.

By making this part of your daily routine you’ll be thankful in the long run. Your spring-ready skin will age the healthiest it can, without sun damage or spots, and your risk for skin cancer will be drastically reduced.

Want to learn more about how you can get your skin ready for spring? The staff at Anne Arundel Dermatology have years of experience in recommending medical grade skin care products that deliver the best results. Visit us online or make an appointment today by giving us a call at (443) 351-3376.

Skin Care Tips For Every Age

Skin Care Tips For Every Age

Our skin evolves with age. Your skin isn’t the same in your 60’s as it was in your 20’s.  Should you be worried about acne or wrinkles? What can you do at your age to benefit your skin later? Your skin care routine should evolve as you age.

20’s & 30’s

Fighting acne is the main concern, especially in your 20’s. Water-based, oil-free wash is a safe staple to keep in your medicine cabinet. Keep your skin free of dirt and oil by removing makeup, washing your face and start a basic skin care regimen with a moisturizer and antioxidant every day. Wearing sunscreen every day will also help protect your skin from premature aging, even in the winter. This will help the signs of aging that begins to develop in your 30’s. Start using anti-aging lotion and vitamin A as soon as possible. Vitamin A helps smooth wrinkles and combats the signs of aging.

40’s & 50’s

The skin loses some of its texture and fullness in your 40’s. Wrinkles and age spots begin appearing as well. Products with peptides in them even out pigment and increase collagen growth. An estrogen drop in your 50’s may dry out your skin and decrease its elasticity. Combat this symptom of hormonal changes with glycolic acid, which helps increase skin cell production and turnover. Additionally, introduce a heavier treatment cream high in ceramides and natural cholesterol to replenish dry skin into the routine.

60+

Expand your skincare regimen to include all skin aspects. Apply SPF every day to keep the sun from advancing sun aging. Use cleansers that won’t dry out your skin and products with hydroquinone to help eliminate dark spots on the face hands. Keep up with your regular routine and continue to wash your face and apply your products daily.

 

Need some extra advice on what to include in your skincare routine? Visit one of our dermatologists.

Seasonal Allergies and Your Skin

As the weather begins to change, bringing lots of light and warmth, your skin will begin to change with it. You may start to notice small differences from the warmer temperatures or that your sweat glands working overtime. However, did you know that your seasonal allergies also have an effect on your skin?

What are Seasonal Allergies?

Allergies are chronic and occur when the immune system sees a substance as harmful and overreacts to it. This causes individuals to experience a number of reactions, ranging from mild to fatal. Allergies are unique to individuals, meaning different people suffer from a different mix of allergies. It’s also possible to not suffer from allergies at all if you happen to be one of the lucky ones.

Commonly known as hay fever, seasonal allergies occur during different times of the year, like spring, summer, and fall. This is generally when plants pollinate, causing higher pollen counts in the air. They are different from normal allergies in the way that they only affect an individual at certain times of the year. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, it is important to be aware of the ways they can cause new issues for your skin as well as irritating existing conditions.

Skin Conditions and Seasonal Allergies

Eczema

Research shows a link between eczema and allergies. While eczema resembles an allergic reaction, it is not directly caused by allergies. However, allergies can cause flare-ups in those who suffer from the condition. Once you’ve come into contact with the allergen, your immune system starts to overreact which causes your skin to exhibit a reaction similar to that of eczema. Seasonal allergens include dust mites and pollen. A dermatologist can diagnose and treat symptoms associated with eczema.

Hives

Also known as urticaria, hives are caused by a number of different triggers and are symptomatic of red, raised and itchy patches of skin. Hives can last anywhere from a few hours to a couple of weeks. One common trigger is an allergen coming into contact with the skin. Seasonal changes bring about higher counts of pollen, which means you are at a greater risk of coming in contact with a potential irritant.

Dryness

Skin dryness is not directly caused by seasonal allergies but often occurs as one suffers from the adverse effects of allergies. Allergies can cause the nose to run and the eyes to water. This means that you may use tissues to wipe your nose more often than your sensitive facial skin can handle. Chapping and dryness around the nostrils can be uncomfortable and often painful. Some ways to avoid drying out the skin when your allergies are causing your nose to run is to use tissues with lotion, apply a salve regularly or even apply a layer of petroleum jelly to the area to keep the skin protected. Your dermatologist can recommend products specific to your skin type and needs.

Seasonal allergies can cause an array of new issues for skin and cause existing conditions to worsen. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, suffer from seasonal allergies or are seeing flairs ups of existing conditions, it is time to call your dermatologist.

It’s time to spring clean your skin routine!

Spring has finally sprung! Get your spring skin care routine down pact with these helpful hints.

Declutter

Out with the old products, in with the new products! Clean up your skin care routine this spring and throw away any old products you haven’t used recently. Chances are, you aren’t going to be using them anytime soon and could use the counter space. Also, chances are if it hasn’t been used in over a year it’s expired. 

Make the Switch

Give your skin a break and use a lighter, water-based moisturizer. During the winter, you combatted dry, flakey skin with hydration and moisturize and now it’s time to let your skin breathe. Use something less emollient and oil-free to keep breakouts at bay.

Sunscreen

Chances are, the first time you see the sun this spring you’re going to want to break out that bathing suit and try to build your base tan. Resist the urge and lather up with SPF instead. The skin isn’t used to how strong the sun is in the springtime, so it is more prone to getting sunburn. Apply SPF 30 or greater every two hours for best sun protection.

Add Vitamin C

Springtime tends to make skin more red, itchy and irritated. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that is scientifically proven to help reverse the signs of photoaging and help stimulate new collagen growth and help with skin irritation and sensitivity.

Remember, for every $250 you spend on products this April, you’ll receive One (1) entry to win a package of Four (4) HydraFacial treatments!  Visit our blog for full details.